Part of: Himachal Pradesh Gk set 12

Which animal, common to Himachal Pradesh is a large even-toed ungulate

Category: Himachal Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the characteristics of even-toed ungulates and the wildlife of Himachal Pradesh.

Correct Answer: A) Himalayan tahr.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The question asks for an animal that is common to Himachal Pradesh and is a large even-toed ungulate. To understand this, we need to break down the key terms and concepts involved.

An even-toed ungulate is a mammal that has hooves with an even number of toes. This group includes animals such as deer, cattle, sheep, and goats. The term "ungulate" refers to the hooves, which are specialized feet that are adapted for running and supporting the animal's weight. Even-toed ungulates are also known as artiodactyls, and they are characterized by their cloven hooves, which are split into two toes.

Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India that is known for its diverse wildlife. The state is home to a variety of animals, including large mammals that are adapted to the mountainous terrain and the cold climate. One such animal is the Himalayan tahr, which is a large even-toed ungulate that is native to the Himalayan region.

The Himalayan tahr is a goat-antelope species that is well adapted to the mountainous environment. It has a thick, shaggy coat that helps it survive in the cold and snowy conditions of the Himalayas. The tahr is a herbivore and feeds on grasses, leaves, and other vegetation. It is a large animal, with males weighing up to 100 kg and females weighing up to 70 kg. The tahr is an important part of the ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh and is a common sight in the mountainous regions of the state.

Other animals mentioned in the options, such as the snow leopard and the Himalayan wolf, are also found in Himachal Pradesh, but they are not even-toed ungulates. The snow leopard is a large carnivorous cat that preys on smaller mammals, while the Himalayan wolf is a canid that is also a predator. The frog, on the other hand, is an amphibian and not a mammal, so it does not fit the description of a large even-toed ungulate.

In conclusion, the Himalayan tahr is the correct answer because it is a large even-toed ungulate that is native to Himachal Pradesh and is well adapted to the mountainous terrain and the cold climate of the region. It is an important part of the wildlife in Himachal Pradesh and is a common sight in the state's mountainous areas.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The Himalayan tahr is a large even-toed ungulate that is native to the Himalayan region, including Himachal Pradesh. It is a herbivorous mammal that is well adapted to the mountainous terrain.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The snow leopard is a large carnivorous cat that is found in the Himalayas, but it is not an even-toed ungulate. It is a feline species that preys on smaller mammals and is not related to the tahr.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The Himalayan wolf is a large canid that is found in the Himalayan region, but it is not an even-toed ungulate. It is a carnivorous mammal that preys on smaller animals and is not related to the tahr.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The frog is an amphibian and not an even-toed ungulate. Frogs are not large mammals and do not fit the description of the animal being sought.

Mnemonic: Tahr: Think "Tall and Hardy" for the Himalayan tahr.

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